And there's no reason why he shouldn't be. George, a well-known fan of the Los Angeles Lakers after growing up in California, has made it clear that while his current team, the Indiana Pacers, will be his top priority so long as they surround him with a contending roster, signing with the Lakers will be his back-up plan. This most recent wrinkle seems timed to discourage a trade to any other teams, though it's also possible feelings could change should the unexpected occur.

The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Boston Celtics and Pacers have had preliminary talks, but that they will not progress without the inclusion of one of the two remaining Brooklyn Nets picks Boston still has in its war chest. One would think such a deal would have to at least start with their inclusion, save for the knowledge that George resigning with the club in 2018 had a low to no chance of occuring.